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RISK FACTORS:
CholesterolTriglycerides Homocysteine C Reactive Protein LEARN MORE:
5 Ways to Lower Your RiskHealthy Heart Diet Exercise for Health Healthy Heart Nutrients RESOURCES:
Heart Health SupplementOmega-3 Fish Oil Cholesterol Lowering Formula |
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Cigarette Smoking Health EffectsIf you asked 100 people to quickly name one thing that's bad for your health, a vast majority of them would undoubtedly say smoking. Cigarette smoking health effects are widely known, yet millions of people continue to smoke despite all of the risks involved.FACT: Smoking kills over 400,000 Americans each year, and millions worldwide! What are the major smoking health risks? The negative health effects of smoking are endless. Cigarettes have literally thousands of chemical components, at least 400 of which are toxic. Its tar component can cause lung cancer, its gas can cause pulmonary disease and its carbon monoxide and nicotine significantly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. The number one cigarette smoking health effect is heart disease, in particular atherosclerosis, which is a clogging of the arteries. When combined with other factors such as lack of exercise, high cholesterol and obesity the risk is significantly greater. Smoking increases your blood pressure as well as the tendency for the development of blood clots, both precursors of heart disease and possible heart attacks or stroke. A decrease in important HDL (good) cholesterol is another one of the health effects smoking has on your body. This leaves more LDL (bad) cholesterol in your bloodstream, which could lead to clogged arteries. What are the effects of quitting smoking? Numerous clinical studies have shown that the effects of quitting smoking can be quite beneficial to your health. Smoking cessation can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. According to a 1990 Surgeon General's Report "quitting smoking reduces the risk of repeat heart attacks and death from heart disease by 50 percent or more." This statistic is reason alone to quit cigarettes as soon as possible. Even minor health effects of smoking warrant you quitting smoking as soon as possible. There is unrefutable scientific evidence that cigarettes significantly increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, emphysema and a host of other health problems. If you have any other risk factors, which many people do, including high blood pressure or high cholesterol, cigarette smoking health effects are magnified, futhering your susceptibility to disease and eventual death. |
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Promoting A Healthy Heart
Find out how you can prevent heart disease
What other lifestyle changes reduce the risk of heart disease? Cigarette smoking health effects are quite detrimental, and the effects of quitting smoking can decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, emphysema, strokes and other life-threatening illnesses. If you currently smoke, quit now. Plain and simple. Also, try to follow the following steps to further reduce your risk: 1. Start exercising regularly, 3-4 times per week, for at least a half hour. 2. Follow a healthy heart diet - limit your trans fats, processed foods, fast food, snacks. Incorporate extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. 3. Try to keep your weight within recommended limits, reduce stress and anxiety, and don't drink excessively or use drugs. 4. Incorporate heart healthy nutrients, including but not limited to the Vitamin B family, herbal extracts, and fish oil. Read more about important heart nutrients here. Learn more about reducing your risk You can read more about how you can reduce your risk of heart disease throughout this site, but start by quitting cigarettes today. Healthy Heart Nutrients - vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts and other nutrients to maintain cardiovascular health. Healthy Heart Diet - tips on eating well and avoiding damaging foods such as trans fats, sugars and processed food. Exercising for Life - regular exercise can improve cardiovascular and overall health significantly. Please be sure to consult with your physician before making any dietary, exercise or lifestyle changes to reduce cigarette smoking health effects and/or decrease risk of heart disease. |